Returning to main focus

Blades boss Nigel Clough has emphasised the importance of United continuing to move away from the League One relegation zone.

Despite the euphoria of the FA Cup victory against Premiership opposition last time out, Clough insists the bread and butter of the season remains the league.

He commented: "Our main focus is putting some daylight between ourselves and the bottom four. We want to get into that boring mid-table position as quickly as possible rather than looking over our shoulders.

"Once we have achieved that and we know we are sitting comfortable, focuses will quickly switch to building for next season.

"Games against your nearest rivals are always the most important, whether that is at the top or bottom."

Looking ahead to Saturday's clash against Notts County, Clough continued: "They have got a couple of good youngsters on-loan, McGregor and Grealish have extended their deals at Meadow Lane having impressed.

"We know Meadow Lane is a difficult place to get a result when County are fired up and I am sure Shaun (Derry) will use our success at Aston Villa as an incentive to his players.

"He will be telling his players to get in our faces because we won't fancy it, having played at Villa Park last week.

"We will be completely professional, though, and if we are then hopefully it will be enough to send us back up the M1 with a positive result.